- Ruben Wiki
- Grace Iwashita-Taylor
- Essential worker - Pauline
- Ema Toailoa
- David Toailoa
- Monty Collins
- Allister Ngawati-Salaivao
- Allister Ngawati-Salaivao and Grace Iwashita Taylor
- Rasela
- Teuila
Videos
Please share these videos with your communities.
Ruben Wiki
Our first story is with league legend, Ruben Wiki who talks about destigmatising help seeking around mental distress; debunking the narrative of not having to be a “tough gladiator” all the time.
Many of us are going through a tough time right now, and it’s important we don’t face this alone. The bravest thing we can do is to speak to someone about how we’re feeling. When we put a voice to our thoughts instead of hiding them, we’re not just caring for ourselves but we’re also creating a stronger, more supportive community for our loved ones. Reuben talks to
It’s not weak to speak up – reach out to someone close or text 1737 for 24/7 support. #StaySafe #StayConnected
Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Our second story is a spoken word by Poet, Grace Iwashita-Taylor called “Wellness is Community, Wellness is Us”. This a strengthening piece that speaks to Pasifika with alofa, aroa, ofa, loloma, love about Pasifika and the importance of kaiga, aiga, whanau and family. The poem is backgrounded by images and familiar places for Pasifika, our families and workers, important as our communities are hit with the second wave of COVID-19, the discrimination experienced, and the importance of whanau/family through these tough and unprecedented times. Wellness is community. As children of the Moana, our wellness is collective, it is caring for ourselves and caring for each other.
Essential Worker: Pauline’s Story
If this pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that our essential workers are exactly that – absolutely essential to us as a nation. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of people have worked tirelessly, putting in the mahi to ensure we can all get through this together. On the front line, staff at COVID-19 testing stations have seen months of long hours and tough days, giving up time with family and putting their own health at risk to keep our nation safe. We want to express our gratitude from the bottom of our hearts, to not just those working the testing stations but to all essential workers out there caring for our nation. To our essential workers: this video is for you – a reminder to look after yourselves, keep an eye on your mental health and make time to talk to someone if you’re feeling stressed or down.
Hapu Mama Video 1: Ema’s Story
We are blessed to bring this tough but powerful story of Ema’s journey through loss and grief into healing and hope. We’d like to thank Ema and her husband David for their courage and strength in sharing their story with us. Fa'afetai tele lava.Please be aware that this video addresses infant loss and we are aware that this may be a difficult topic for some viewers. For those who have experienced loss and are in need of support, visit www.sands.org.nz or www.littleshadow.org.nz to get in touch with someone who can help.
Hapu Mama Video 2: David’s Story (Ema’s Husband)
Father, artist and leader of a South Auckland based non-profit community fitness program, David Toailoa shares with us what has helped him through tough times following the tragic loss of his son and during the recent lockdowns.
A huge thank you to David and his wife Ema for sharing their story with us. Fa’afetai tele lava. Please be aware that this video addresses infant loss and we are aware that this may be a difficult topic for some viewers.
For those who have experienced loss and are in need of support, visit www.sands.org.nz or www.littleshadow.org.nz to get in touch with someone who can help.
Monty Collins
Many of us are going through tough times right now and it can be difficult to talk to someone about how we are feeling when we’re used to going at it alone. Monty shares his powerful and inspirational journey of mental health and hardships, but in among all the turmoil, there is “always a light and the end of the tunnel, we just have to stand strong”. Monty encourages you to take the time to get in touch with someone you care about and make an effort to #StayConnected.
Please be aware that Monty’s story discusses suicide and could be distressing for some people.
Allister Ngawati-Salaivao
Credited as one of the pioneers of hip-hop dance in New Zealand, you may recognise Allister Ngawati-Salaivao from his crew Dziah and their incredible success in the global hip-hop scene in the early 2000s, or you may know him from his current role with Prestige Dance Crew, one of New Zealand's best crews. Allister has seen both highs and lows in his journey through life, and we were privileged to sit down with him to talk about his take on mental health. #StaySafe #StayConnected
Wellbeing Reimagined: Allister Ngawati-Salaivao and Grace Iwashita Taylor
Incorporating spoken word poetry and contemporary dance around mental wellbeing reimagined, Allister and Grace dance and speak to “being so much more than your hurt”. Allister was one of the founding members of the dance group Dziah, which was the first New Zealand dance crew to go to the World Championships, where they placed second.
Rasela
Expecting mum and community worker Rasela opens up to us about pregnancy through lockdown and her journey to healing from past trauma.
Teuila
New mum and business owner Teuila opens up to us about having a new baby 15 years on from her first, during a global pandemic.
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Imagery
Ruben's quotes
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Audio
A poem by Grace Iwashita-Taylor called “Wellness is Community, Wellness is Us”. This is a strengthening piece that speaks to Pasifika with alofa, aroa, ofa, loloma, love about Pasifika and the importance of kaiga, aiga, whanau and family.